Texas House Bill HB2097

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to government authority to require a person to wear a mask or personal protective equipment during a disaster.

Impact

If enacted, HB2097 would significantly alter existing statutes within the Government Code relating to executive powers during declared disasters. The bill redefines how the state's authority can exercise power related to public health mandates by limiting the scope under which masks can be required. This change would restrict local officials from issuing mandatory health precautions, potentially leading to a more uniform approach across the state towards personal protective measures in future emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 2097 aims to regulate the authority of governmental bodies regarding the imposition of mask mandates during disasters. Specifically, the bill stipulates that neither the Governor nor local officials can enforce any mandates requiring individuals to wear masks or personal protective equipment unless such measures are explicitly authorized by statute. This legislative measure is a response to concerns over governmental overreach witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many states saw differing regulations at state and local levels regarding mask-wearing mandates.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB2097. Supporters argue that this bill is vital to protect individual liberties and prevent government overreach that had been prevalent during the pandemic. Critics, however, raise concerns that such restrictions could hinder public health responses in future crises. They argue that the ability for local leaders to enforce health measures is crucial for responding effectively to emergencies that impact communities in varied ways, and a one-size-fits-all approach might not be suitable during public health emergencies.